Bellona nuclear digest. July 2024
A survey of events in the field of nuclear and radiation safety relating to Russia and Ukraine.
News
Publish date: July 8, 2022
News
The proposed hydrogen and gas markets decarbonisation package includes a regulation and a directive, hoping to steer the EU towards a transition from an energy landscape largely dominated by fossil gas to a largely electricity-based system with some renewable and low carbon gases. We noted and highlighted significant shortcomings in the package and its failure to free Europe from fossil lock-in. Consequently, we suggested a number of recommendations. In light of the upcoming deadline for amendments on 13 July, on both the directive and regulation, reports tabled by MEPs Buzek and Geier have positive developments in line with Bellona’s asks.
MEP Geier’s report suggests two key amendments that would be of great climate benefit as we explain in our brief :
MEP Buzek’s report suggests a reduction in the percentage of Hydrogen that can be blended with natural gas, down from 5% to 2% through the proposed Amendment 32. Although no blending is ideal, as we highlighted in our brief, we still believe this is a step in the right direction.
Strong support and adoption of these amendments is crucial in aligning the EU with its climate targets. Besides the climate benefits, these amendments would help shield consumers from rising energy prices as well as reduce EU dependency on Russian fossil fuels.
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A survey of events in the field of nuclear and radiation safety relating to Russia and Ukraine.
Transport on the Northern Sea Route is not sustainable, and Kirkenes must not become a potential hub for transport along the Siberian coast. Bellona believes this is an important message Norway should deliver in connection with the Prime Minister's visit to China. In an open letter to Jonas Gahr Støre, Bellona asks the Prime Minister to make it clear that the Chinese must stop shipping traffic through the Northeast Passage.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has published a new report on its efforts to ensure nuclear safety and security during the conflict in Ukraine, with the agency’s director-general warning that the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station remains “precarious and very fragile.”
In this news digest, we monitor events that impact the environment in the Russian Arctic. Our focus lies in identifying the factors that contribute to pollution and climate change.